From WOOD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn is reminding all drivers that November is the month with the highest number of vehicle-deer crashes in Wood County. October and December are the second highest.
- 2019 we handled a total of 280 vehicle-deer crashes
- November 2019 we handled the 58 vehicle-deer crashes.
- October 2019 we handled 39 vehicle-deer crashes.
- To date in 2020 we handled 149 vehicle-deer crashes.
The numbers above are only the crashes handled by the sheriffs office and do not include crashes handled by other law-enforcement agencies in the county.
According to the Insurance Forum Institute the average cost per insurance claim for collision damage is $2800 with the cost varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of damage. When you factor in auto claims involving bodily injury, the average rises to $10,000.
Defensive driving tips to avoid hitting a deer
- Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk times for vehicle-deer collisions.
- Drive with caution when moving through deer crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forest land. Deer seldom run alone. When you see one deer, others are very likely to be nearby.
- When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
- Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur driver swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their vehicles and go into a ditch or hit polls or trees.
- Always wear your safety belt. Many people injured in car-deer crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
- Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce vehicle-deer collisions.
If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you. The best procedure, if possible, is to get your vehicle off the road and call 9-1-1.
Contact your insurance agency or company representative to report any damage to your car. Collision with any animal is covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy and does not go against your driving record.
